My Island Paradise
The story of birthright, heritage, colonialism and the life and times of a young boy growing up in Ceylon in the 1950’s.
This is the story of my family, our ancestry and the unique life we lived during my early boyhood years on the island called Ceylon.
“Jacob had mixed feelings of sadness, elation and fear when told of his assignment to the outpost of Galle, Ceylon, thousands of miles away from his homeland and family. As a soldier in the VOC, he had little choice but to accept his overseas appointment. He knew, once he left the shores of Holland, he was unlikely to return home.”
“My dad worked in the Ceylon Customs while my mum took care of us; she cooked our meals and sewed our
clothes. We lived a middle-class life; every rupee dad earned was precious. We never had the trappings of wealth; the joy of living filled our lives.”
Portrait Of Lanka
Portrait of Lanka is a collection of stylised black and white photographs of Sri Lanka. I took the pictures during my many visits to the island on to film a documentary of their traditions, customs, and culture titled ‘Pilgrimage to Sri Lanka’.
The book contains stylised photographs of my travels on the island and a few of the encounters I had with the local people.
“Wherever I went, I saw a vibrancy of colour and energy; I encountered smiles and waves in abundance. I discovered an elegance in the manner women wore their saris and uncovered the beauty in their faces. Children displayed an innocence and simplicity in their approach to having fun and enjoying life.
The island is resplendent with its unique culture of music, dance, language, customs, and traditions. The people I met during the filming of the documentary were friendly and ever wanted to chat and share what little they possessed.”
The Awesome Adventures of Sally and Kelli
Orb Of Truth
Behind the farm lies dense woods, home to many mystical creatures from mischievous fairies to wise old tree spirits. The woods are full of wonder and magic. Beings such as fairies, elves, dwarfs and heaven forbid orcs and goblins wandered through the dense, deep woods.
“You may go for a walk by the woods,” said Kelli’s grandma. “but you must promise me to stay away from the path that leads deep into the woods. There are dangers and mysterious creatures lurking in the deep woods.”
Available soon on Amazon. (September 2023)
The Awesome Adventures of Sally and Kelli
Heart Of The Forest
Kelli and Sally decide to go for a morning walk in the forest. On the way, they meet a Fae who task them with a quest to save Heart.
Heart, the largest tree in the forest, is dying. The evil Dark Queen used an artefact to cast an enchantment upon the tree. Its roots connect to trees around the world. If Heart dies, forests around the world will die.
Kelli and Sally’s task is to locate the artefact and heal Heart.
Available soon on Amazon. (September 2023)
Book Of Magic
The colourful disc of magic lay on the floor, its brightly coloured symbols enticing the invocation of evil spells.
Charles stared blankly into space, his two index fingers in a steeple pose touching his lips. Mixed feelings of helplessness, rage, fear, sadness, and a myriad of other emotions coursed through his body, none of which could resolve his current dilemma. His mind, numbed from the earlier shock in his study, refused to acknowledge the certainty of his eyes.
He dare not let the floodgates of sorrow burst open lest he lose control and breakdown.
Available soon on Amazon. (Late 2023)
Flesky's Fairy Tales
Sally and Kelli ventured into the forest in Buchan for another awesome adventure. They meet a dwarf living underground inside the Buchan Caves.
Flesky kindly offers to assist the two girls in returning home. During their journey, he shares numerous captivating tales about fairies, filling their minds with wonder and enchantment.
Available soon on Amazon. (Spring 2023)